Dental implants are a common and effective way to replace missing or broken teeth. Due to the potential risks, only a few are good candidates for this procedure. Before making a decision, consult with your dentist about the advantages and disadvantages of dental implants and whether you are a good candidate.

How Do You Determine If You Are a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

Get a Consultation 

As a first step, go to a top-rated dental clinic in Bethlehem PA, and have them examine your teeth, gums, and jawbone to ensure enough good bone to support the implant. This preliminary evaluation will determine your eligibility.

Before beginning the implant process, bone grafting or another procedure may be recommended if the jawbone is too soft or thin to support dental implants. Your gums must also be free of periodontal disease.

Dental implant procedure can be used to replace one or more teeth. The number of teeth needing replacement will determine the type of surgery and its scope.

Consider the following:

• Inquire with your dentist about the type and brand of dental implant systems used.
• Tobacco use can impede recovery and reduce its long-term effectiveness.

You will typically require a non-permanent abutment in place of the tooth while the implant body heals, which could take several months or longer.

Overall Wellness

Your overall health dramatically impacts whether you are a good candidate for this procedure, how long the recovery will take, and how long the implant will last. Certain medical conditions, such as autoimmune diseases, uncontrolled diabetes, or heart disease, can raise the risk of complications during the implant or healing process. As a result, before getting dental implants, you should consult your dentist about your current medical needs. You can check this link for more details.

How Long Do Dental Implants Take?

Once you pass your exam with flying colors, your dentist will schedule the first stage of dental implant surgery.

Dental Implant Surgery

Each implant takes one to two hours to place as your dentist inserts the titanium dental implant into the jawbone where the missing tooth once was. Patients must wait for the titanium rod and jawbone to fuse gradually after surgery.

Osteointegration, or bone healing, can take six weeks to three months or longer, depending on the patient’s healing ability. Although the waiting period may appear long, it is necessary to complete dental implant surgery.

Following a dental implant procedure, the following patient recommendations are made:

• Visit your dentist regularly.
• Call your dentist right away if your implant feels loose or painful.

You must know when to call to emergency dentist to prevent further issues.

Maintain Good Oral Hygiene

Pay close attention to your dentist’s oral hygiene recommendations. For the implant and neighboring teeth to last, you must clean them regularly.

Dental Implant Costs

Evaluation 

The cost of an evaluation varies depending on who performs it and how thoroughly. Many dental insurance plans may partly or entirely cover the cost of this evaluation.

Procedure

The expense of dental implants varies according to their complexity and the number of missing teeth. Prices can also be affected by location.

Dental implants are more expensive than bridges or dentures but last a lifetime. Before investing in any dental implant procedure, ensure your insurance company will cover the costs.

Dental implants typically range in price between $2,000 and $3,000. However, the abutment and crown could add $6,000 to the price for each tooth. Make sure your dentist provides a cost estimate before the procedure begins. Furthermore, some dental offices offer payment plans as an added convenience.

Conclusion

To be a good candidate for dental implant surgery, you must be in good general health, have enough jawbone to support the implant, have healthy gums, and be committed to maintaining good oral hygiene. The cost is determined by the level of assessment required and the type of dental insurance you have.